Up to 1500 runners will take to the streets of Ipswich on Friday 14 July in one of Suffolk’s biggest and best-loved races, the Twilight 10k.
Organised by Ipswich Jaffa Running Club and sponsored by regional accountancy firm Ensors Chartered Accountants, the race was held for the first time in 2015 and has since gone on to become a highlight of the local running calendar, attracting runners of all ages and standards from all over the county and indeed, region.
This year once again, the event will begin and end among the appropriately sporting surroundings of Portman Road, home to Ipswich’s newly-promoted Championship side. The race sets off at 7.30pm and follows a winding route from the stadium through Ipswich’s main shopping area and around its historic centre, passing landmarks such as the Corn Exchange and Town Hall on the way.
A much-anticipated summer event, the Twilight 10k is always warmly supported by spectators, who turn out in their hundreds to cheer on competitors as they weave their way through the town.
This year, for the first time, there are two other events on the racing schedule - the Suffolk Schools mass participation Daily Mile and the Ensors Family Wave.
These shorter events are designed to appeal to younger runners and to family groups. The Daily Mile wave will start at 6.30pm with the Family wave setting off at 6.40pm.
The cost of entering the 10k event is set at £30 (£28 for England Athletics-affiliated runners), with the first 500 entrants registering before Friday 9 June, receiving the coveted free Ensors running top.
Finishers in all three events will of course receive a medal!
The vests and tee-shirts are again provided by long-term sponsors Ensors, who this year are also the event’s headline sponsor.
“After holding the shirt sponsorship for six years, we wanted to increase our support to ensure that runners from Ipswich and beyond could continue with this staple calendar event. Our roots were firmly established in Ipswich over 130 years ago and we’re proud to be able to cheer on our employees and fellow runners with a spectacular viewpoint from our Princes Street offices. With a whole spectrum of t-shirts in circulation, we’re looking forward to adding to our loyal runners’ collection again this year”; said David Fairbank, Ipswich office partner.
The event is additionally supported by local businesses Viking Vitality and Coes.
Once again, the charity partner is East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
Alison Butler, EACH Community Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “Having previously received a fantastic and very generous donation of £15,000 from the cancelled 2020 race, we’re incredibly grateful and excited to once again be named charity partner for this year’s Twilight 10k.
"It’s a wonderful opportunity to raise both funds and awareness and our sincere thanks go to all the runners and everyone at Ipswich JAFFA.
“The money will make a tangible difference, in terms of helping us provide our vital care services, and we wish all the members the very best of luck both with their running and fundraising.”
Entries are now open! If you would like to take part, visit www.ipswichtwilightraces.com to access the Race Roster registration platform.
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